Grants will be provided to businesses through the £15 million Scottish Wholesale Food & Drink Resilience Fund and the £2m Scottish Food & Drink Producers Fund.

Applications open today and close at 23:59 on Sunday 13 February.

Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Producers and wholesalers play a key role in Scotland’s supply chain and are integral to the Scottish economy. We know how difficult the past year has been for those working in the food and drink sector due to the pandemic. These funds will provide a vital lifeline to these businesses, especially in light of the restrictions implemented due to the emergence of the Omicron variant.

“Food & drink wholesale businesses in particular have been impacted by restrictions over the last year and we have committed an additional £10m through the wholesalers fund to support them with their recovery.

“I would encourage all eligible businesses to get their applications in as soon as possible.”